Original Peoples Investment Program
Applications closed
March 22, 2025: Full guidelines published
August 20, 2025: Applications open
September 4, 15, 23, 2025: Virtual Open Office Spaces (details below)
September 24, 2025: Application deadline (no applications accepted after 4:30pm MST)
October – November 2025: Evaluation of grants
Late November 2025: Notification of results
December 2025 – January 2026: Funds distributed
Brief Overview
This program is intended to provide one-time project funding to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) individual artists, FNMI artist collectives, and Indigenous-led and -centred arts organizations practicing and operating in the Treaty 7 region.
The Original Peoples Investment Program (OPIP) supports the development, preservation and revitalization of First Nations, Métis and Inuit art through art-based projects that are supported and validated by FNMI artists, community, Elders and Knowledge Keepers. We recognize and support both traditional and contemporary Indigenous artists and arts practices. This program is developed and validated annually with the support of our Indigenous Advisory Committee.
Projects can begin, but cannot be fully completed, before the application deadline of September 24, 2025. Projects funded through this program must be completed by March 31, 2027.
Individual artists may apply for up to $20,000, artist collectives may apply for up to $25,000, and Indigenous arts organizations may apply for up to $30,000.
Total funding available for this program is $750,000.
Virtual Open Office Spaces
Throughout August and September, we are hosting three virtual ‘open office spaces’ online over Zoom for the Original Peoples Investment Program. These sessions are open to eligible artists interested in applying to this program.
Artists are welcome to log in and join at any time during these Zoom sessions to ask our program specialists questions about the program, and to listen to other artists’ questions. Folks can stay for as long as or as short as they like. There is no formal presentation — just 60 mins of artist Q+A!
For Zoom security reasons, we ask that folks register before attending. The Zoom link will be provided upon registration. Registering for a session confirms that you agree to our group agreements for this event. Be sure to read the document before signing up.
When:
- Thursday September 4, 2025, from 4pm – 5pm. Register here
- Monday September 15, 2025, from 11am – 12pm. Register here
- Tuesday September 23, 2025, from 12 pm – 1pm. Register here
*ASL interpretation is not currently booked for these drop-in sessions.
If you are an artist with specific access needs or require translation or interpretation services, please let us know and we will arrange to make sure you have all the support and information you need to fairly access the application process. This may require booking a one-on-one session with us instead.
These sessions will not be recorded.
If you have any questions about the open office spaces or need any help completing an application, please contact program specialists:
Richelle Bear Hat richelle.bearhat@calgaryartsdevelopment.com 403.264.5330 ext. 125
Jasmine Piper jasmine.piper@calgaryartsdevelopment.com 403.264.5330 ext. 121
